Shortlisted for a third consecutive season as domestic coach of the year, Paul Adams admits the nomination is an acknowledgement of the impressive feats of the Cape Cobras in 2014/2015-season.

Cricket South Africa’s awards-function will take place at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg on the 3rd June. Adams, the Cape Cobras coach, was nominated as domestic coach of the year alongside Geoffrey Toyana, the bizhub Highveld Lions coach, and Rob Walter, The Unlimited Titans coach.“We (the Cape Cobras) topped the table in the two limited-format tournaments, hosted both finals and won one. We also ended up fourth in the Sunfoil Series competition. It was a good, successful season for the Cobras,” said Adams.“It is good to see Cobras players nominated for the awards-function, which acknowledges individual and team efforts after a long, hard season.”The past three seasons have seen the Cobras win the Sunfoil Series title twice, share the Momentum One Day Cup twice and win the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.Asked about his role and philosophy, Adams says he wants to provide the environment and energy for players to perform for the Cobras.He said it is not only about what individuals want to achieve, but also about how their personal goals fit in with the team tactically and strategically.Individuals in a championship-winning team all have their strengths and weaknesses, their fault tines and challenges. Asked about how to micro-manage players in order to create a strong unit, Adams said the coach must endeavour to understand each player’s make-up.“It is about working towards each player’s strengths, but also communicating honestly and openly.”The team was faced with various challenges and circumstances in 2013/2014. A litany of injuries, call-ups to South Africa A, families who welcomed new-born babies into the fold and study-commitments were part of the unfolding drama from September to October.“Working together as a unit and talking openly about our plans are vital,” Adams said.He added that the Cobras have had a stable squad the past few seasons.In the build-up to the 2015/2016-season, a good fitness program and ensuring everybody steps onto the park 100 % fit, will be an important start to what promises to be a bumper-to-bumper season, he added.The Cape Cobras have been a production line of international stars the past decade, and unearthed some exciting players the past three seasons. Beuran Hendricks, Dane Piedt and Stiaan van Zyl all made their SA debuts in 2014. Who will be next?Adams home to be the proverbial midwife to the birth of a new international star in the 2015/2016-season.